Manchester City are allegedly pushing for the signature Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso, whom they could soon bid as much as £54.7m for.
The reigning Premier League champions are preparing for the imminent departure of Kyle Walker, whom Pep Guardiola revealed has asked to explore his options for a move abroad.
Italian giants AC Milan are believed to be pressing ahead with a deal for Walker, who has not been included in either of City's last two matchday squads against Salford City and Brentford.
Guardiola already has Rico Lewis as cover for the ageing Walker, while the versatile Matheus Nunes has also featured as a right wing-back during the 2024-25 campaign, but it is clear that a replacement will be signed if the England international does depart either in January or the summer.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, City's search for a young right-back to step into Walker's shoes has led them to 24-year-old Cambiaso, who has quickly risen to prominence in Turin.
City to make £54.7m bid for Cambiaso?
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Cambiaso came through the Genoa youth system before joining Juventus for £11.2m in 2022, since when he has come up with five goals and eight assists in 64 appearances for the Old Lady.
The ambidextrous defender has excelled on both flanks for Juventus over the past two-and-a-half years, operating as both an out-and-out right-back and wing-back, as well as on the right wing.
Cambiaso has also been lauded for his ability to seamlessly slot into midfield and therefore shares similarities with former City and Juve defender Joao Cancelo, who also flourished in a hybrid role under Guardiola.
The Italy international is contracted to the Serie A powerhouses until 2029, but Di Marzio adds that City are now ready to come forward with a bid of at least €60m (£50.5m) and potentially as much as €65m (£54.7m) to prise him away from Turin.
However, Juventus are thought to value the 24-year-old more in the €80m (£67.3m) range, having only tied him down to a new long-term deal at the end of last season, and they are expected to fight tooth and nail to keep hold of him.
Man City kick January spending spree up a notch?
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Rarely have we seen such a mid-season splurge from Guardiola's Man City, but their dire situation in the Premier League table means that the owners are only too happy to bankroll significant winter moves.
The Citizens are already closing in on two mid-season moves, as it is only a matter of time before Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov is announced as their newest recruit following the approval of his work permit.
In addition, the champions of England are said to have made a breakthrough in their efforts to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush, as Fabrice Hawkins reports that an agreement in principle has now been reached.
Marmoush is not expected to feature for Frankfurt in Friday's Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund as he prepares to sign for City, where he will provide backup and competition to Erling Haaland.
It remains to be seen if either Khusanov or Marmoush will complete their transfers in time to make their debuts against Ipswich Town in Sunday's Premier League battle.
Ben Knapton
